8 Lil Uzi Vert Fans On Why Older Listeners Don’t Understand His Music

“We’re all about rockstar vibes all over again.”

At the annual Roots Picnic in Philadelphia this past Saturday, Lil Uzi Vert ripped through his high-energy set. With hometown love fueling him, Vert crowd surfed, mobbed on stage with his loved ones, and was joined by Meek Mill and Migos. It was clear from the set that his sound, first fostered on the internet, translates into something that feels good in real life. Much of his fan base consists of younger listeners who are all about his futuristic raps, but some of rap's more seasoned fans just don't seem to be making the connection yet.

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The FADER spoke to eight Lil Uzi Vert fans at The Roots Picnic about older listeners don't understand his music.

Adrian Johnson, 23

Mark Makela

Why don't some older people understand Lil Uzi Vert's music?

You get to that point in life where you’re just not trying to turn up as much. His music is all about the turn up and his beats are all about the turn up. If you watch any of his videos, at his concerts, he’s jumping in the crowd and some people who are 25 and older can’t really relate to that anymore. You might want a more chill artist like J. Cole. People my age are all about that crazy shit that he does at his concerts.

Dustin Jones, 23

Mark Makela

Why don't some older people understand Lil Uzi Vert's music?

He’s different and he’s got the total mix of music. I’m a huge fan of Young Thug and I love Lil Uzi because he harmonizes, he raps, and sings. I don’t think they can process that shit.

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Kris Obert, 25 & Joe Nicdao, 23

Mark Makela

What don't some older people understand Lil Uzi Vert's music?

KRIS OBERT: I feel like he doesn’t rap about corny shit and he has a new style.

JOE NICDAO: I feel like the older generation has a sense of pride where they can’t let go of the old music and sound.

Adrian Addison, Jr., 24

Mark Makela

Why don't some older people understand Lil Uzi Vert's music?

I listen to lyrics so I can understand it. Most people listen to the beat. It’s a new generation. A lot of older people are resistant to change so they wouldn’t be willing to give a newer artists a chance because they’re stuck on what they’re used to.

Anissa Pierre, 24

Mark Makela

Why don't some older people understand Lil Uzi Vert's music?

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I just got put onto Lil Uzi Vert very recently and I was like, “This is cool for right now.” But three years ago, that shit wouldn’t have been hot and three years later, I don’t know if that’s going to be what people are listening to. If you want to listen to the lyrics, it’s like, “Okay, what are you really saying? What is this song about?” But, it feels good and that’s why people like it. But sustainability wise, I don’t know.

Kambria Butler, 22

Mark Makela

Why don't some older people understand Lil Uzi Vert's music?

People that are older don’t get hype like him. They're like "Umm, we’re pretty subtle and we don’t do that."

Jay Branch, 26

Mark Makela

Why don't some older people understand Lil Uzi Vert's music?

It's just because it’s like the '70s all over again. The energy is where a lot of older people can’t really relate. We’re all about the rockstar vibes all over again.